ascent

noun

as·​cent ə-ˈsent 

a-

1

a

: the act of rising or mounting upward : climb

completed their ascent of the mountain

b

: an upward slope or rising grade : acclivity

followed the steep ascent to the top of the hill

c

: the degree of elevation : inclination, gradient

2

: an advance in social status or reputation : progress

their ascent from the lower class to the middle class

3

: a going back in time or upward in order of genealogical succession

Synonyms of ascent

• climb
• ascension

Examples of ascent in a Sentence

They followed a steep ascent to the top of the hill.

our plane broke through some heavy low clouds during its ascent and leveled off once we were above them

Recent Examples on the Web

Pattinson’s ascent to the status of summer meme champion carries with it real cultural cachet. — David MacK, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

Visit Greece recommends June through October as the most accessible period for climbing; winter ascents require specialized experience and equipment. — Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Whisenant was known in the climbing community for his speed ascents, including record-setting climbs in Yosemite. — Sophie Ziedalski, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026

By comparison, Roberts has had a quiet ascent, climbing steadily through largely homogeneous milieus. — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

irregular from ascend

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for ascent

• accent
• advent
• assent
• augment
• cement
• consent
• dement
• descent
• detent
• dissent
• event
• extent

Kids Definition

ascent

noun

as·​cent ə-ˈsent 

a-

1

: the act of rising or climbing up

began their ascent of the mountain

2

: an upward slope